Anastasia State Park

1,600 acres of dune, coastal hammock, and tidal marsh on Anastasia Island just south of downtown St. Augustine, with four miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach and the original Spanish coquina quarry — the source of the shellstone that built Castillo de San Marcos a mile north across the inlet. Salt Run on the back side of the park has a paddle-craft concession (kayak, SUP, sailboat rentals) and calm water for beginners. Beach driving is not permitted; park at one of the boardwalks and walk in. Weekend and holiday parking fills; the gate will hold cars once the lot caps. Entry $8 per vehicle, $4 per motorcycle.

What to order

Stop at the Old Spanish Quarry loop just inside the front gate (free, before the fee booth) to see the pits the coquina was cut from, then take the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail to the beach. Best morning parking is before 10a on weekends.

Hours

Daily 8a–sundown, 365 days a year